Europe's top 10 'hidden' islands

Make your way off the beaten path and onto a plane or boat to some of Europe's most beautiful, yet unknown islands. Skyscanner.net put together a list of these hidden gems.

Porquerolles, French RivieraOne of the three islands in Iles d'Hyeres, about 80% of it is protected by nature and conservation laws. With the majority of the island part of the Port-Cros National Park, its white sand beaches and luscious scenery is untouched and left to be enjoyed by the select few who know to travel here. (Fotolia)

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Gugh, EnglandIt's easy to miss Gugh, one of the islands of the Isles of Scilly and measuring only 1.5 km long and 0.5 km wide. It is sometimes included as part of neighbouring island St Agnes, which you can walk to (depending on the tide) from Gugh, as the two are joined by a sandy mound. Gugh makes for a very remote and quiet island escape. (Fotolia)

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San Miguel, PortugalAlso known as 'The Green Island', San Miguel is filled with forests and even some hot springs. The island has six volcanic zones, though most have been dormant for hundreds of years. (Fotolia)

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Colonsay, ScotlandLocated in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, Colonsay is only 16 km long and 3 km wide. Enjoy the rolling cliffs and isolated beaches, or, try fresh oyster and lobster straight from the Atlantic. (Wikipedia)

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Texel, NetherlandsLike out of a storybook, Texel is home to white sand beaches, green forests, picturesque villages, windmills and lots of sheep. In fact, the wool produced here is some of the highest quality around. Bring your bike, or rent one to explore the island. (Fotolia)

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Sark, The Channel IslandsSark is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands. If you really want to escape it all, this is the place to go - with no cars, visiting this small island will take you back in time with beautiful coastline views. (Fotolia)

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Elba, ItalyThe largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba has welcomed more and more visitors over the years, thanks to its clear blue waters and scenic views. Napolean was lucky enough to be exiled here in the 1800s. (Fotolia)

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Inishmore, IrelandInishmore is considered the largest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay in terms of population with a total of about 405 residents. While trying to avoid these large crowds, take in the island's rich history and culture, or visit the illegal poteen distillery which produces a highly alcoholic Irish liquor. (Fotolia)

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Mykines, Faroe IslandsIs a western island of the Faroe Achipelago and is the ideal place for hiking and even bird watching. Home to migratory seabirds, like the puffin and gannet, Mykines is believed to be the 'paradise of birds' written about by St. Brendan. (Fotolia)

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Iles Lavezzi, FrancePart of a clutch of islands in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia, Lavezzi was literally made for lounging and swimming, with beautiful turquoise blue waters and stretches of beach. If you're on one of the boats to the island, be sure to bring your own food, drinks - and everything else, as there's nowhere to buy anything on Lavezzi. (Fotolia)

Porquerolles, French RivieraOne of the three islands in Iles d'Hyeres, about 80% of it is protected by nature and conservation laws. With the majority of the island part of the Port-Cros National Park, its white sand beaches and luscious scenery is untouched and left to be enjoyed by the select few who know to travel here. (Fotolia)